Get your fantasy-fan kids motivated to create and imagine with art, writing, and the promise of toys! Addison's Tales from Wivern Digital inspires kids with a recently launched competition that will turn a child's made-up story character into a toy --every month until the end of December! Addison's Tales Competition
1. Kids, parents and teachers: Visit the new and beautifully designed … [Read more...]

Hi! I'm Bethany from the kid lit and play blog No Twiddle Twaddle. Imagination Soup is one of my favorite blogs, so I am thrilled that Melissa has invited me to share my list of free kids' eBooks with you today. Many people don't realize that you can download hundreds of free children's eBooks a week through the Amazon store. With the free Kindle app, you can then read these books on most … [Read more...]

As parents and educators, we must look for ways for children to read -- including the iPad, Kindle and NOOK. Since the reading experience is different, let's think through how to best use this eBook reading technology for learning purposes.
Tips for Kids Reading Enhanced E-Books
Strategy: Read twice. Once for meaning and once for the fun features. The Joan Ganz Cooney Center published a … [Read more...]

Ready for the best STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) apps for kids? Just remember that most ipad apps, with a few exceptions, won't instruct your child. They will however, give him or her practice, repetition, and reinforcement. After you read this, visit: STEM / STEAM YouTube Channels for Elementary Kids and STEM / STEAM Gifts for Kids.
STEM Math Apps for Kids Rush Hour - … [Read more...]

As I started a go-to list of the best learning apps for kids, the list got so long, I split up my posts into categories. So, today we'll start with my favorite apps for literacy -- reading and writing for toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary-age kids. Also, I've included special needs iPad app resources at the end of this post.
Learning Apps 1. BrainPOP Featured Movie - BrainPOP®
I'm very … [Read more...]

Do ipad book apps count as books? Some bibliophiles argue that they don't, insisting that book apps are more game than book. But, I disagree. I think it's great that kids can access books in this new way. Sure, there are interactive game-like elements, but in a quality app, these don't have to be distracting and can add meaning to the reading experience. This year, I'm a Round 1 judge for … [Read more...]

Upcoming holiday travels with kids might require a few new iPad apps, preferably educational ones, right? Here are the latest educational apps the girls and I recommend.
Educational Apps Scribblenaut Remix
I think this is our favorite educational app yet! It's such a clever concept. To solve the puzzles in each scene and level, you need to imagine what your player needs. Then, you type that … [Read more...]

Technology totally amazes me -- like the Nomad Brush which works just like a real paint brush on the iPad, only (obviously) without real paint. Originally it was created for professional artists, says Nomad's PR person, Jen Barth, but the artists soon discovered that their children enjoyed the brushes, too. Now, Nomad is reaching out to younger artists like my daughter, JJ! About the size of a … [Read more...]

Since I last posted on educational apps, the selection of quality children's eBooks for the iPad has grown bigger and better - which is a good thing, don't you think? Here are my recommendations for Fall 2011 of educational apps and books for the iPad. (And, a giveaway, too.)
Educational Apps
Aquaduct
From easy to very challenging, this is an addictive educationl puzzle app to solve.
Faces … [Read more...]

We've found more educational apps that encourage thinking, creativity, and math practice. My six year old's favorite are Toontastic, Ansel and Clair's Adventures in Africa and Roxie's a-MAZE-ing Adventure. My nine year old loves Dinosaur Chess, Rock n Learn Multi Rap 7x, and Robot Tycoon. See our new best of the summer apps below. Then comment and tell us your favorite apps for learning and … [Read more...]

How could I not know about Tales2Go before now? Oh, yeah, no i-gadgets. Until a few months ago when I unofficially adopted my husband's new iPad for my own so I could get Tales2Go.
Tales2Go
Tales2Go is perfect for book-loving families like us -- it's practically a million (or 1,500) audio books for your iPad (or any other i-things.) Books such as classics, folktales, fairy tales, myths, and … [Read more...]

Books Apps
After trying out many book apps, I'm convinced that eBooks count as valid reading material. At the moment, there are many great books for young children but the selection dwindles for the tweens and teenagers. But I'm sure that will change soon as more people adopt the technology. Also, I've read about eye strain, a concern of mine, and found that is it's not so much about the … [Read more...]